A fatty's guide to minimalism

So what does the minimalist do when she's too fat to wear her clothes? This fatty embraces the opportunity to pare down. If fatty offends you, please note this is a self-description that works for me. I'm focused on my issues, people. Back to the topic around the middle. This summer I put on significant weight, and I have a few ideas why (yes, that extra chocolate didn't help matters): perimenopause and new medication, not excuses but certainly factors I can't change, which means I must change my dietary and exercise habits if I want to lose this beer gut (and I don't even drink).

Yes, I talk in circles and yes, I'm getting to a point here. It's fall and I have lovely clothes for my favorite season, and I need to wear lovely clothes especially for my part-time gig, but there's no way, round belly me is going to fit the majority of what I own. What's a gal to do? Hit the resale shop for a few pieces to get me through and kick start my ingenious knack for making multiple ensembles out of minimal items. Who says minimalists aren't chic and beautiful?

Look, I've done frumpy. Not a good look and extra weight be damned, I need to look good because looking good, feels good. I don't have body image issues. I have a weight issue. And I will not suffer my mother ever telling me again, “Tonya, there's no reason for you to be frumpy.” Have I mentioned my mother is gorgeous? Always has been. She's also too thin, but hey, we each fight our own battles. And mommy is looking good and putting some weight back on.

Me, I'm pulling out my fall/winter wardrobe. Hanging up my sexy, go-on-with-your-badass plaid mini skirt, I bought in the spring for motivation, and I'm going to do some lovely matching with what actually fits in the meantime.

In case you think I'm simply being vain, let me say there is nothing remotely healthy about being overweight. My kinfolk push up daisies fairly early so this fatty is on a mission for my health as well as my diva self. My middle years have been good despite the challenges.

Be well.






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Comments

  1. I totally relate Tonya! At the start of the year, I noticed bloating and weight gain that didn't seem to be all a direct result of my eating habit so I put it down to hormones. I still sigh when I think that yes, now my baby years are well and truly over and that *all* I have to look forward to is the menopause! Well, I'm trying hard to focus on the positive side which is to exercise and as you so very kindly took the time to advise, best results may include things I had previously ruled out. Thank you, thank you for that input!

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  2. Oh how I identify. I have fought weight since I was about 8 years old. I am down a hundred lbs. from my highest weight. I did it all with diet and exercise. Of course I could lose more, and I am working on it, but I must embrace with joy where I am. I never buy any clothing it seems at full price. I am the queen of the closeout rack. I say rock your style and look fantastic while you are on your journey to shedding the weight.

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    1. Susie, the young just don't know. Middle age and grown is sexy. Of course, we gotta rock it.

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  3. I'm underweight, and there's not a darn thing I seem to be able to do about that. It's funny to read this from my perspective. I often read news articles about how a few extra pounds safeguards people from illness and may protect them in the end. At any rate, I agree with you about the frumpy thing. You gotta rock it, no matter what the scale says. Thanks for linking up.

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    1. The downsides outweigh the safeguards. Obesity leads to diabetes, joint issues, compounds risk for hypetension, stroke and heart attack, ages the beyond chronological years. African American women top out the rise of obesity in this country at 27% of the population. 1 in 5 Americans are medically obese. Juvenile diabetes is rising1 in 4. This is the first generation that risks not living as long as their parents.

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  4. My sister and mother are tiny little people and me, well I've always been a "bigger girl". Boobs, butt, etc I've got em.

    When people tell me "you always look so put together" I always answer "well you need to camoflauge and dress 'fat'". Like you, I just know who I am, even when the size 8 jeans fit, I know that I don't look THIN in them, curvy etc...never thin.

    and I love how you talk about Frumpy. It's so true, a little lipstick, a nice outfit, combed hair goes a very long way to not only making a nice outward expression, but it also helps to put a little bounce in your step, a smile on your mouth (and in your heart.)

    your words are gorgeous, your heart is beautiful, your goal is fantastic and I think that the outside of you reflects that every day. :)

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  5. No one writes a more supportive comment than Kir. I will say that I echo what she says in the last 2 paragraphs. I sure know how you feel having gone through this more than once.

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  6. Such a confident, honest voice here. This piece is so powerful because you put it all out there. I love the last line and the feeling of determination at the end. Well done!

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  7. You are inspiration to me, a fatty. I have been losing weight, and I am finally below 200, but now I need to dress the part. Thank you!

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    1. Girl, rock it. Nobody trying to be Twiggy, just our healthy, fine selves. Hi five to you, your loudest cheerleader. :-)

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  8. So true! Getting into a nice outfit that compliments whatever shape you are makes all the difference. Good luck on your mission!

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  9. Sounds like you're someone who knows exactly what they like/don't like, so whatever you wear, I have no doubt you'll rock it!

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    1. Thanks, Daniel. I recently started reading your blog and I like your style. You're wicked cool.

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  10. Sigh, frumpy. How I'm feeling lately.

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  11. Winter is the time when I begin my road back from the summer of indulgence. I have more time in the winter, so it just works for me. That, and beer in the summer is so hard to resist. Half the battle is being comfortable with who you are. Not wanting to spring for that whole new wardrobe, a few sizes bigger, is the motivation. It should be easy, right? Maybe I shouldn't have donated all my fat clothes a few years ago?

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  12. I feel your pain. Perimenopause is definitely no friend to the *fatty*. Have fun with your new Fall wardrobe. I'm sure you're going to continue to look fabulous!

    Karen

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